The world seems often uninterested in things that are whole, families that are peaceful, societies that progress together. Dissension and fighting get a lot more attention.
God's desire for people of faith is that they not only get along, but that they seek to be whole.
God has that desire also for your spirit. Seek that wholeness now in these quiet moments.
“Truly I tell you, people will be forgiven for their sins and whatever blasphemies they utter; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit can never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”— for they had said, “He has an unclean spirit.”
Mark 3:28-30
Whoa. Hold it. Before we write this one off as the unpardonable sin, as it is often called, let’s explore further. Jesus’ warning is for those who accuse him of being evil. While nothing done or said is really outside the possibility of forgiveness, if they continue to slander God’s Spirit, God’s Son, they are rejecting the very one who forgives, and they may indeed find themselves outside the realm of God’s forgiveness. The second I think there is something unpardonable, unforgiveable, I begin to wonder if I ever could have done it.
“Have I blasphemed against the Holy Spirit? I’m not sure! What does that even mean?! Oh no! What if I have done it and don’t know it?!”
This kind of thinking comes from a fearful place inside. God acts on behalf of love always. Never fear. Don’t let fear divide you against yourself. Don’t let it split you in two. You belong to God. And God is love.
Valerie Burton
God, help me not to be afraid and, instead, to trust your love - this day and every day. I want my love for you to be undivided and without distraction. Amen.
Allow the Lord to teach you the way of faith and truth, producing a heart undivided in its commitment to God's name.
Give thanks to God with your whole heart. Glorify God's name always, knowing that God's love for you is great and unwavering.
Inspired by Psalm 86